It is best to clean your scissors regularly to keep them in top condition. But how do you properly clean your scissors? Read on for all the tips.
Cleaning scissors: should you immerse them or not?
That depends on several factors. First, on the scissors themselves: generally, more expensive scissors can handle this perfectly well, as they are made of hardened stainless steel. But be aware: even expensive scissors cannot withstand it if you immerse them in acidic substances.
What happens if you immerse the wrong scissors or use the wrong substance?
- All lubricants and protective coatings are dissolved.
- Moisture remains trapped between the blades, including in the screw mechanism.
- Moisture and acids (or aggressive substances) become trapped between the blades and in the screw, causing a chemical reaction.
- This chemical reaction eats into the metal, causing rust and/or staining (corrosion), making the scissors stiff and dull.
- Over time, the damage to the scissors only increases.
- The ball bearings and Teflon washers in the screw are affected.
Not cleaning your scissors (or not doing so in time) can also cause the same reaction. Residue from hair chemicals always remains on the scissors during cutting. This adheres to the metal, including between the blades. Over time, this has a negative effect on your scissors.
In the worst-case scenario, your scissors will be beyond repair and you will have to buy new ones. Therefore, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and use only approved cleaning products.
Do not immerse your scissors
If you are not sure whether your scissors can be immersed, or if you do not have suitable products (such as Barbicide), follow these steps:
- Spray only the blades with an alcohol solution (disinfectant spray), for example from Imago.
- Spray this product only on the blades, never on or into the screw mechanism.
- Wipe the scissors dry with a clean, dry cloth (microfiber cloth). Dry both the inside and outside of the blades.
- Oil the scissors regularly (between the blades, at the level of the screw).
Do immerse your scissors
The easiest and most thorough way to clean your scissors is to place them in a bath of disinfectant solution. Barbicide disinfectants are suitable for this, as they contain a rust inhibitor to protect your scissors.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and the Barbicide directions for use (you must always dilute it!), and you can clean your scissors safely and thoroughly.
What else can you do?
Applying a drop of oil between the blades (at the level of the screw) in time and cleaning the blades themselves with an alcohol spray can prevent problems. Have you accidentally put too much oil on the scissors? Simply wipe it off with a clean, dry cloth.
Finally: have your scissors sharpened by a professional regularly. This makes cleaning and maintaining your scissors a breeze. Also check out our hairdressing scissors and scissor sets at KOOS.
